‘A big tree has fallen’
“May you paint the skies with your artistic flair and knit on clouds until your heart can’t bare.”
These words are part of a poignant tribute paid by Elizabeth Da Cunha to her father, Brendan Bell, the former director of the Tatham Art Gallery, who died last week.
In January the Bell family revealed that Brendan had been diagnosed with a brain tumour and had undergone surgery and chemotherapy.
Over the last six months he has spent quality time with his wife, Jenny, as well as with Elizabeth and her husband Chico, his son, Ben, dancer, Bonwa Mbontsi, who has been like a son to him, and Bonwa’s fiancée Nadja.
In her tribute, she said that it was good to know her dad was finally at peace, adding: “Your memory will live among us for a lifetime. We all love you so much. God bless you.”
Originally from Durban, Brendan was an artist in his own right, having been drawn to art from a young age.
In an interview with Weekend Witness in 2018 he said: “I had a wonderful art teacher at school and I got very involved. I enjoyed being creative and also knowing more about the history of art and how things developed, ignited my love for the arts.”
He went on to complete a fine arts degree and an education diploma, before embarking on a career in education, during which he taught art and English at Eshowe High School and Maritzburg College.
His first job at the Tatham Art Gallery in Chief Albert Luthuli Street, Pietermaritzburg, was as an educational officer, a position he held for five years from 1982.
“I was fortunate that my director, Lorna Ferguson, involved her staff in many of the museum’s functional areas; in the process we gained valuable knowledge and experience,” Brendan wrote in his final director’s message.
In 1986 he was head hunted by the Johannesburg Art Gallery to design and implement its education programmes, a post he held for two and a half years and during which he completed a Master’s degree in History of Art.
“In 1991 Lorna Ferguson resigned as director of the Tatham Art Gallery and I was asked to apply for the post. For personal reasons I declined, but couldn’t ignore my fate when a few months later the post again became available.
“After 27 years I have the honour of being the longest serving director of the gallery.”
During his tenure, Brendan helped add to the gallery’s deserved reputation as one of the best art museums in South Africa.
Margaret von Klemperer, former arts editor of The Witness, said Brendan had been wonderful to work with.
“He was approachable and considered in everything he said. His death is a big loss, both as an artist and administrator. He made the Tatham one of my favourite places to report on.”
In their tribute, the Tatham Gallery staff said: “It feels like a big tree has fallen. Manager, artist, mentor and friend, Brendan was a quiet and considered leader, and for the 27 years that he was at the helm of the Tatham Art Gallery, his calm and thoughtful guidance steered the gallery through huge socio-political change in our country.
“His emphasis on professional museum practice and developing the gallery’s collection of art works to reflect the society around us has placed the gallery as one of the best in the country...Brendan played an important role in all our lives. He was not only our boss, but a wonderful colleague and a cherished friend. We will miss him enormously.”